24-105L Lens and 5D3: New vs. Old - Think there is any difference?

[RustyTheGeek]

So I purchased the 5D3 + 24-105L Kit for $2699 to sell for a little extra cash. But since I already own both, I also thought it might be a good chance to refresh what I have with new and sell my used ones instead. You know, sort of 'reset the clock' so to speak and have all new again for practically no cost. But we all know what it's like to have something that is familiar/works fine and then replace it with a shiny new one only to find out we wish we had the first one back because the replacement has lower quality or issues that we didn't expect.

Question: I have owned a 24-105L for about 4 years. Anyone think that the newest ones coming off the line now might be any better or worse? Subtle changes good or bad that have crept into the manufacturing process either by accident or on purpose? Anyone ever notice a difference that has used an older one and a newer one? (Roger Cicala, are you listening?) I realize the lens is built to a specific design but I'm just curious if the manufacturing process has perhaps influenced the quality over the years with perhaps a newer/different factory, assembly line, better or worse QA tolerances, etc.

While we're at it, ditto I guess for the 5D3. Hopefully you guys don't think this is stupid question. Thanks.

 

[Maximilian]

Question: I have owned a 24-105L for about 4 years. Anyone think that the newest ones coming off the line now might be any better or worse?

I bought a new 24-105L with 5D3 some time ago, kept the new lens for new warranty and sold my old one.
So similar situation to you.
As I didn't want to get into such thoughts as you have now, I just made a short comparison of those two and found nothing really different. (But I'm no test chart photographer and no pixel peeper)

The only thing about the new one was the lack of zoom creep
But after a few months even this "problem" was solved and the new is behaving like the old

A little bit more serious:
I think (but do not know) that Canon hasn't changed any big things in the production line of this lens.
I think (but do not know) that QC level is still the same.
So if you haven't got a lemon the performance, built and IQ will be similar to your old lens.